Work Commences at Specialised Supported Housing Scheme

Elim Housing Association in partnership with NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council are pleased to report the commencement of adaptation works at its newest specialised supported housing scheme in Gloucestershire following exchange and completion of the property purchase.

The former private residential property will accommodate two individuals with high level needs and complex care requirements currently in hospital with support & care provision accommodated on site. Aiming to complete the works within 6 months, we hope to welcome residents in April 2024.

This comes following a recent review into specialised supported housing which identified a need for specific accommodation within the area.

Naina Mandleker, Commissioning Manager at NHS Gloucestershire ICB said: “We are really pleased that with the completion of this scheme, two individuals will no longer need to stay in hospitals and instead will be supported in their own homes in the community. Purpose Social Homes and Inspired Partnership Ltd. have brought their expertise to the project working closely with clinicians, families and important others to get the adaptations just right. We are also pleased that a values driven housing association – Elim has stepped into this space of specialised supported housing to deliver much needed accommodation for people with higher level of care needs.”

The bespoke accommodation will consist of two ground floor fully self-contained apartments, shared communal lounge, kitchen, dining room and garden, staffed 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The scheme will also include carers accommodation and office space at first floor level.

Support will be tailored to meet the individual needs of the residents, helping to improve their health and wellbeing, this approach will enable the individuals to leave hospital and be appropriately supported in their own home.

Paul Smith, Elim Group Chief Executive said: “Elim’s vision is to meet housing need and deliver homes that change people’s lives, these specialist schemes really do that, moving people from institutional care into independent living is truly transformational and I am proud that Elim is able to help people make such a fundamental change.”

Elim is proud to work with Purpose Social Homes project management to deliver the homes. Philip Warr, Chief Executive, Purpose Social Homes said: “Purpose Social Homes has been impressed with the whole project team’s focus on creating the right environment for the individuals who will be moving from the hospital into their new homes. We know just how important a person’s environment is, recognising the importance of facilitating their adjustments, reducing support needs and ultimately the risk of readmission to hospital.

Historically, an unacceptable proportion of people moving into Specialised Supported Housing have ended up moving through the revolving door back into hospital because the accommodation hadn't been designed and specified around their unique environmental needs.

I'm confident that with the project team’s efforts that have been put into this project for the vulnerable individuals around which it has been designed and specified, the residents will be very happy and quickly adapt to the new environment and won't be seeing hospital again anytime soon.”